Search form

Search form

Animal shelters are inundated with birds abandoned by pet owners as a result of the recession. Shelters face the challenge of finding permanent homes for the birds because of the complexity that comes with caring for these creatures. Data from AVMA show Americans own nearly 11 million birds, making them the fourth most popular pet behind cats and dogs.

Related Summaries

The AVMA endorsed the production of a canine influenza vaccine in 2006 when the disease became evident in racing greyhounds and shelter dogs. Vaccination prevents serious illness and reduces shedding time for infected animals. The AVMA also notes that four ferrets in Oregon and one cat in Iowa contracted H1N1 from their owners, and Oregon state veterinarian Emilio DeBess stresses the importance of trying to reduce the spread of disease between owners and pets.

The down economy has forced more families to abandon their dogs and cats at shelters and has left fewer people able to afford to foster the animals until a permanent home can be found. Foster families act as a vital resource, helping animals become more social and preparing them for adoption in ways that shelters can't, some say.

An ordinance in Laredo, Texas, set to take effect in July requires area pet owners to register their cats and dogs through a microchip. Aside from helping owners reunite with their lost pets, the microchip measure seeks to ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies to promote animal and public safety.

AVMA research indicates a minimum of 68,000 out of the estimated 150,000 cats in Montgomery County, Ohio, are household pets, with the remainder being either community, abandoned or feral cats. Experts say trapping and euthanizing stray cats and trap-neuter-release programs could help control the population but could be costly.

The unstable U.S. economy has taken its toll on pets as shown by the rising number of dogs and cats being brought to community animal shelters. Some owners are surrendering their pets because they no longer can afford to support them, shelter officials say.